“You’re sure? I hate to leave you with it.” I plant my hands on my hips, searching her face for any sign she’s not actually cool with me dumping this in her lap.
“Don’t be silly. That’s why you pay me to manage things. We’ll just get as much staged as we can, so when the delivery arrives, we can get everything done in a flash.”
I nod, running my hand over my face again. “Thanks, Stacy. I owe you one.”
“You don’t. This is my job.” She clenches her teeth. “I’m sorry I was a crazy person earlier. Tell Olivia I hope she’s feeling better.”
Chapter 20
Quinn
Conversation pings back and forth between Madison and Zoey as I sit picking at my sandwich, no real interest in it. The three of us were available for lunch together today, so Madison ordered some sandwiches for delivery from our favorite little shop. They must make bank off of all the hungry teachers who don’t want to eat the cafeteria food.
While they continue to discuss a fight that had broken out in the hallway earlier, I read back through the recent texts from Liam, wondering how he and Olivia are faring today. She wasn’t in class for a third day in a row, and that has me a little concerned for both of them. The initial texts had come in on Sunday.
Liam: Just a heads up. I hope we didn’t give you anything—O has a bad head cold.
Liam: At least, I think that’s all it is.
Me: Aw, poor girl. I hope she’s feeling better soon.
Liam: I’m keeping her home tomorrow. She sounds awful.
Me: :( I hate to see kids sick, but unfortunately, she dwells in a petri dish here at school.
Liam: :(
I hadn’t heard much of anything else from him until just now. I’d been silently itching to contact him again, as it had been three days, but I had been worried I’d be intruding. I can imagine caring for a sick kid is not much fun.
Liam: Sorry for going quiet. O has been pretty sick.
Me: Oh no!
Me: I’m sorry, I should have checked on you guys.
Liam: We’re okay, but she’s been terribly exhausted on top of feeling just blah.
Me: I wondered when she wasn’t in class again today.
Me: I can e-mail her the makeup work.
Me: That is, if you think she’s well enough to handle it. No pressure.
“Q, what has you frowning over there?” Zoey pokes my shoulder to get my attention before nodding in the direction of my phone.
r /> “Oh. Sorry.” I give them a sheepish grin. “It’s Liam. He was just letting me know Olivia is still sick.”
“So, how are things with him? You’ve been quiet about it since this weekend and the bunny rabbit conversation.” She presses her lips together and wiggles her brows at me.
Madison’s gaze sweeps over my face. “You’re so blushing. I’d say things are just fine.”
I wipe my hands on my napkin, and wrinkle my nose. “I haven’t seen him since that morning. I’ve just been letting him deal with Olivia.” I pause with my water bottle halfway to my mouth, eyeing them over it. “I’m kind of embarrassed that I’ve been so preoccupied with when he’d be in touch again, but that’s about it.” I shrug, then hold my phone up in front of me for them to see. “He’s had to keep Olivia home from school, so I guess he’s had his hands full.”
My phone vibrates in my hand, and I jump, checking the screen.
Liam: What do you want to do about tutoring?
With a rueful smile, I apologize to my friends, and they wave it off, going back to their earlier conversation while I text a quick response.